Netanyahu Says Army to Enter Gaza with Full Force in Coming Days

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will initiate a full-scale military push into Gaza within days, reaffirming the government’s aim to dismantle Hamas and bring the ongoing conflict to a decisive end. The announcement, made during a meeting with injured reserve soldiers late Monday, emphasized that Israel would proceed until its objectives are fully achieved, including the destruction of Hamas’s infrastructure and command structure.

According to a statement released Tuesday from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu indicated that while a temporary ceasefire could take place under specific circumstances, there would be no broader halt to military operations. The renewed campaign is part of a wider strategic shift that began on March 18, when Israel resumed large-scale military actions following a breakdown in the terms of a ceasefire initially brokered in January.

Earlier this month, the Israeli Cabinet approved a formal expansion of its military strategy in Gaza. The latest phase has drawn widespread international criticism, particularly in response to Israel’s declared intention to forcibly displace large sections of Gaza’s population. The Ministry of Defense has stated that the expanded operation may involve the removal of a significant portion of residents, describing it as a component of achieving long-term operational goals.

Displacement and Resettlement Plans Face Global Rejection

Since hostilities escalated in October 2023, nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once, according to international monitors. The humanitarian impact of the war continues to mount, with critical infrastructure damaged and aid severely restricted. Netanyahu acknowledged the scale of displacement and suggested that Israel was actively exploring plans to facilitate the departure of Gaza residents to third countries.

He stated that a designated administration had been established to manage voluntary departures, but emphasized that such efforts require cooperation from nations willing to host Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu said that diplomatic efforts are underway to identify possible host countries, and estimated that over half of Gaza’s population would leave if presented with the opportunity.

The concept of population transfer from Gaza is rooted in earlier proposals, including one promoted during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. That idea suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan, but both Cairo and Amman have rejected such plans. Multiple Arab governments and the Palestinian leadership have also condemned the concept as unacceptable and destabilizing.

Conflict Casualties and Hostage Situation Continue to Define Crisis

The current conflict began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals in Israel, primarily civilians, according to data compiled from official Israeli sources. During the same attack, 251 individuals were taken hostage. As of the latest figures, 57 remain in captivity within Gaza, and the Israeli military has declared 34 of them to be deceased.

In response to the initial assault, Israel launched a sustained military campaign across Gaza. The offensive has since resulted in the deaths of at least 52,908 individuals within the territory, according to statistics provided by the Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations considers the ministry’s figures to be broadly credible, and the majority of the fatalities are believed to be civilians.